According to The Zebra, two-thirds of American households own a pet. Furry, feathery, or scaly friends can provide numerous benefits and thrive with the right ownership.
If you’re a senior in Covington, LA, you may be wondering, “Is pet-friendly senior living possible?” Aging with animals can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be when you choose the right Covington assisted living community.
Are assisted living pets allowed at communities such as The Trace? In this article, we’ll explore the key benefits of pets for seniors and the most common types of animal companions.
The Benefits of Pet-Friendly Senior Living
Pets can have positive benefits for people of all walks of life, but they present unique advantages for seniors. Here are just a few of the ways a pet can improve your quality of life as a retiree:
A Sense of Purpose
As you age, major life changes can make you feel as if you no longer have a sense of purpose. You’ve retired from a rewarding career. Your kids have grown up and flown the nest. What else is left to do?
Caring for a pet can restore your innate instincts to care for others and help motivate you to cultivate healthier habits in your life. For instance, you may feel like you need to keep your living space tidy and organized to ensure your pet has ample space to run and play.
Increase Physical Activity
Health is paramount in your senior years, but it can be tricky to maintain an active lifestyle as your body begins to slow down. Many pets provide opportunities to engage in increased physical activity.
Walking your dog every day can allow you to get thousands of steps in when otherwise you would have just sat at home. Playing with a cat may involve getting down on your hands and knees and throwing toys, which activates several different muscle groups and aids in coordination and balance.
Emotional Support
Animals provide vital emotional support during tough times. A pet is nonjudgmental and can give you constant companionship, unlike many humans in your life.
A new category of animals has been coined: Emotional Support Animals (ESAs). Your pet can receive an ESA designation from a qualified mental health professional. Although ESAs are not protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the designation still offers benefits, such as waiving of pet rent in some locations.
Your pet may help you cope with feelings of anxiety and depression, which are common among seniors. In addition, pets can provide a source of comfort for those suffering from dementia or other cognitive diseases.
Assistance With Daily Tasks
Did you know that pets can assist with tasks and alerts? Service animals are also legally protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Store owners and landlords must make accommodations for these animals since they are vital to your livelihood.
Dogs are the most common type of service animal, specifically bred to assist with various service-related tasks. Common service dog breeds include:
- Golden retrievers
- Labrador retrievers
- German shepherds
- Border collies
- Great danes
Service dogs can help owners with many different types of tasks, such as:
- Medication management, retrieval, and reminders
- Turning lights on and off
- Guiding owners who are blind or vision-impaired
- Alerting owners of impending medical events, such as seizures
- Retrieving items that owners can’t reach
- Finding other humans for emergency assistance when necessary
Other animals, such as cats, can be trained to help with tasks. However, dogs remain the most widely accepted type of service animal.
Combating Loneliness
Daily companionship from emotional support pets can do wonders for lonely seniors. Seniors are more likely to suffer from loneliness due to circumstances such as:
- Children moving out
- Retirement
- Loss of a spouse or life partner
An animal friend can help you feel less alone. No matter where you go, your pet will always be waiting for you at home.
The Best Types of Pets for Seniors
So, what type of pet should you get as a senior? It depends on factors such as:
- Your mobility level
- How often you can care for them
- Whether you have cognitive decline
- How long you expect to live
Here are some of the most common types of pets that are suitable for seniors:
Dogs
There is a reason dogs are lovingly referred to as “man’s best friend.” Canine companions are fiercely loyal, as well as intelligent. They are one of the most popular pets in the U.S.
If you own a dog, expect some level of physical activity; however, the duration and intensity may vary depending on the breed. A German shepherd requires extensive physical activity every day, while a toy poodle may only need a walk.
Cats
A cat is another popular option for a furry companion. Some are considered low-maintenance because they sleep up to 18 hours a day and thrive indoors.
Additionally, you don’t need to take a cat out to use the bathroom. All it takes is regularly scooping a litterbox to maintain a fresh and clean indoor space that your feline can enjoy.
Fish
Depending on the type, fish can also be an easy option for enjoyable pet ownership in your senior years. Fish such as bettas are generally low maintenance, and many tank models are self-cleaning.
For fish, it is important to ensure they have adequate space. Many of the advertised tanks are too small and can cause fish to become depressed.
Are Assisted Living Pets Allowed at The Trace?
At The Trace, we consider pets family and value them as integral to your life. If you’re still wondering, “Are assisted living pets allowed at The Trace?” The answer is a resounding yes.
With care options including assisted living and SHINE® Memory Care, The Trace is committed to providing our residents with the best quality of life possible. You and your pets can enjoy various amenities, such as beautiful outdoor areas, activity calendars, and weekly housekeeping to maintain your senior living space.
Are you and your animal companion ready to transition to assisted living or memory care? We’re here to help. Reach out to us today to learn more, or visit our stunning campus in Covington, LA, to see it for yourself.
